The Chilling Terror of THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS Explored
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ม.ค. 2025
- Clarice Starling, an FBI agent, seeks help from Hannibal Lecter, a psychopathic serial killer and former psychiatrist, in order to apprehend another serial killer who has been claiming female victims.
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When films were scary enough that it didn't need a jumpscare to scare you everytime.
while it doesn't depend on jump scares - there's no shortage of them. But they are used for exposition as well as audience impact (ie finding the head in the storage locker)
I'd say the first Alien movie is up there.
The shining as well.
not only scary, but thrilling and poignant too. I stopped listening after FeMINIsm film, though. Dont ruin this film pls.
@@drabnail777 There's a difference between a strong female character because the story calls for one and a strong female lead because the message requires one.
Good feminism films show women succeeding in spite of being a woman as opposed to BECAUSE they are a woman.
Feminism has been hijacked by Hollywood, both in TV and film. It's all Ghostbusters 2016 and the malarkey pumped out by the CW. It's simple overcorrecting, which is where celebration is lost in translation and it's now "Wahmen need no man cuz man stupid, unga bunga".
Real feminism is needed, but modern writers, especially female writers, lack the nuance to pull it off. They all prefer to hit everyone over the head with a mallet as opposed to striking with a scalpel.
@@AdamIsUrqed Not really, because would the story have changed much if the protagonist was a man? No. and thats the point. Its good that it wouldnt. Having a female lead has its novelty as being "the only woman in a male field" and thats about it and how we root for the underdog symbolized in that elevator scene, when she gets into it, look how absolutely tiny she is.
You've got it mixed. Feminism has hijacked hollywood. But i agree with the rest.
The dumpster fire of what we have know is "real" feminism, or its natural progression, ie first its equality then its supremacy. Ofc, you cant have a "feminist supremacy" without men, thats not how nature evolved us.
Hopkins famously made a point of not blinking during his interaction with Foster - but when she cooly says, "no, you ate yours (trophies)" - he blinks and looks away. She got him.
Fun fact: He was inspired by the voice of Lector. From Hal from 2001 A Space Odyssey.
@martin gonzalez no...just go with it
2001 a space odyssey did come put before silence of the lambs
@martin gonzalez maybe he should of used better grammar - ‘he was inspired by the voice’ instead 😝
WRONG
"Closer please....... Closer" Those eyes are no different from a wolf among sheep. Crazy that he won the Oscar. With only 16 minutes of screentime. Here's another thing. When Anthony Hopkins received the script for Silence of the Lambs. He initially thought it was a children's story.
Did...did he think that based on the title or after he'd read it?
@@AuDHDarling He based it on the title.
@@thegunslinger1363 And than he graduated to one of the universe’s most powerful and blood thirsty Kings.
But for real Anthony Hopkins is one of the greats.
Chucky the doll also has those eyes in Bride Of Chucky, I swear they could be twins.
Yep Hopkins did a amazing job doing the role he makes you feel powerless just watching the movie and he gives a overcoming presence and how the movie is directed and how the scenes are shot
"It had no jumpscares and few violent scenes" In that regard it was kinda like jaws, the more you didn't see the shark, the more you feared it.
You are the most correct person I've seen in a while
One thing I always liked in the film is even though lector is behind bars, he is still clearly in control of the room regardless of his visitors.
There are several shots in the film that show her with bars in front her face when she is talking to Lector. It shows that while he is the one in the cage, she's the one who is actually trapped.
the scariest part of the movie was how it didn’t use cheap horror scares. the horrible situations in the film speak for themselves
Well one they used terror and not horror, two the left some if not quite a but of room for the imagination. The moment when they shot "hannibal" on the floor and the two cops look at each other, that is terror, you're thinking hes gonna jump up or be behind them, or something but they just let the suspense go to give you time to freak yourself out.
You tried to get a like 😂😂 got me dying right now
The fact that I didn’t view Hannibal as a villain in this movie is a testament as to how manipulative and charming he was. I’d definitely be one of his victims if I met him 😭.
Same
Women love serial killers. Look at how much mail guys like Richard Ramirez and Ted Bundy got. Throngs of women wanting to sleep with them, marry them, etc.
Oh shit, i didnt even realize😅 im on the same page
Not really, it is just a testament that you have a weak mind
Yes you would KFC
This movie is such a master piece, shows how scary intelligence can be.
I would say cannibalism and intellect exist independently of one another.
Try the books. None of the movies do the character justice
@@joeshmoe6930 intelligence and ethics are also two separate things. You can use intelligence for wrong. There are good people who are unintelligent in the traditional sense. There are also "evil" people that have incredible pattern recognition and cognition.
@@carlogaytan7010 Um... yep. I pretty much said the same thing.
What even is this take? Huh?
The scene where Bill was stalking Clarice in the dark, and the cuts to him in the night vision goggles will forever give me bone chills.
His fascinating with her beauty, his yearning was visible as he reaches out to touch her hair. That was his ultimate undoing, other than the fact he hadn’t already pulled the hammer back on the pistol. The subtle “ click “ is magnified in the movie and Clarice , in an obvious flashback to the training scene where she started to handcuff the “ criminal “ when her FBI instructor appears behind her and dry fires his pistol at the back of her head and declared her dead because she hadn’t checked her corners before assuming the room was safe .
That was the only moment I jumped in my seat. You KNEW it was gonna happen and yet… 😱
The first Horror Thriller to win Best Picture.
And one of only 3 films ever made. To win the big 5 at the Oscars.
@@thegunslinger1363 couldn't have asked for a better movie to take home all 5 of those awards
@@JDP2104 agreed plus Anthony Hopkins who played Hannibal Lecter did the role perfectly
I remember watching this at the movie theater with my brother and everybody doing a collective gasp. When he pulled that mask made from a real human face,off his face.
My mum saw it when it was released. I wasn't even born when it came out. To have seen it in theatres. Would have been an amazing experience. Most films today can't hold a candle to it.
@@thegunslinger1363 only second to the ending to the first Saw movie
@Kurapika Giovanna that's why I said the ending of the first saw. One of the best endings ever
@Kurapika Giovanna the term low brow audience is just used to belittle and discredit people who didn't really care for a particular movie or type of movie
@@shawnbrown4485 Saw was trash, only having that "reveal" as its only memorable part...and it was copied from Silence...
I read that Dana Scully from the X-Files was actually based on the character of Clarice Starling. Originally the network wanted a "Blonde big boob bombshell" to play the role, but Chris Carter fought against that, and chose the previously unheard of Gillian Anderson.
You can really see the similarities
The character's basis is undeniable, but she became a blonde big boobed bombshell anyway.
And she was Hannibal's therapist in Hannibal (the series) too.
@@KEVMAN7987 didn’t know that, nice.
@@Bugman541 the new Hannibal series the one with mads as Hannibal..
Wow that's interesting, I always thought in my mind that x-files was before silence of the lambs, because somehow silence looks so modern and timeless.
The scene where Lecter plans his escape and kills the guards was on Bravo's 100 Scariest Movie Moments.
I think its on everyones scariest movie moments.
If it's on your list, that's all that matters.
Maybe there’s something wrong with me but I didn’t find that scary at all. Just intense.
I think the scariest part about Silence of Lamb is how believable the characters are, it blurs the lines between fiction and reality so well.
At the end you note that the real terror of this movie is that there are people like Lecter in the world. The FBI estimates that there are approximately 50 serial killers operating freely in the US at any time. Lecter is mythical in his combined abilities and no real human comes close to his dangerousness. I wish you could have tried to explain the only plot hole I’ve noticed in this movie. It occurs in his cell when he is wrapped in his jacket and restrained and muzzled while talking with Chilton . Chilton is threatening him and Lecter offers to help him with revealing Bill’s true identity to the senator and you hear Chilton tell Barney to prepare him for transport. The screen flashes to Lecter looking onto the bed at Chilton’s pen . This pen or parts of it he uses to escape from the cuffs. How did he swallow it ? When he appeared before the senator he appears the same as he did in his cell, so there was no “ cleaning him up that might have given him a chance to get to the pen . His ability to manipulate his body to produce the piece of the pen is well known among certain types of yoga practices. Again, Lecter requires a mythical past to have provided him with access to that type of training and the writer gives him some of the potential for such training in his descriptions of his childhood and adolescence.
@@clinttaylor4032 You say that "no real human comes close to his dangerousness" even though Thomas Harris (the author of the original Silence of the Lambs novel) has stated that he based Hannibal Lecter off of an encounter he had with a real murderer in a psychiatric ward. There ARE people like Lecter in the real world.
An iconic masterpiece the likes of which are vanishingly rare in today's Hollywood.
They don't make em like this anymore. Which is a shame.
Agreed. Back when movies had to be creative.
Honestly, how can you say that when Mortal Kombat *just* came out?
My man Anthony Hopkins be playing absolutely amazing
Damn that look in his eyes every time he talks to her, you can see the hunger build behind them, amazing movie and amazing video, thank you!
Back when Hollywood could write a strong female protagonist, without having to make every male a fumbling moron just to bring her up.
The best comment.
Exactly this
when you cant push women up, you have to tear men down. unfortunately, this happens in real life too.
ugh a gross antifeminist comment
@@efnfen you whatever the f you are. Is why the world is crumbling. It's not anti anything. You are anti men with that comment.
“He’s consider that rude” idk why I absolutely love that line so much. Maybe cuz I think it describes Hannibal perfectly. Idk I absolutely love this movie
Hey, I helped vote for this! Democracy truly isn’t dead
Me too!!
Of course it isn't dead when the vote chores in your favor
A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.
Congratulations you quoted this just to get likes
Do you feel better ? You sad shit
@@KD-kl4sx
Having a bad week are we?
@@KD-kl4sx someone is grumpy.
@@KD-kl4sx it may have simply been a quote out of admiration and fascination for the phrase.
There exist "Greatest Quotes" collections for a reason.
@@KD-kl4sx Do you need to be changed, or burped? Use your words.
The beauty of Hannibal Lecter is that fear is psychological, you were kept guessing - not really sure if he will kill you or take you out for dinner. The part of the 'silence of the lambs' is impossibly chilling and masterfully delivered by Hopkins and Foster, you can watch it a thousand times and it will stay chill you.
The best psychological horror thriller of all time, please do Red Dragon next 🙏
And Manhunter as well (the alternate adaptation of Red Dragon).
Cursed crawl of time
@Kurapika Giovanna do you think Red Dragon (movie) wasnt so good?? I loved that movie!! But I bet the book is amaaazing
I think Barney was the only man in the film who really treated Clarice in a normal way without any kind of strings attached.
Also one of the few people who Hannibal "respects"
One of the bug guys at the Smithsonian, too, no? I mean, it's normal male-female interaction to ask someone out and I don't think he was creepy about it.
It's a shame how much of barney's character was thrown out from the books. The relationship between him n Dr Lecter was so much deeper
@@benmiller5015 yeah. I wish they would have kept the part in "Hannibal" where Barney states something like "I don't think he would kill me, but I don't want to test him".
@@benmiller5015 really? i never read the book. can you tell me of their relationship
Everything about this film is perfect. The acting, screenplay, cinematic, story etc.
I guess the reason why it's so noteworthy, is that it feels "real". When Hannibal speaks, it's as if he's talking to YOU... his gaze, his voice, it commands.
We also see the struggles of Starling... working harder than her peers, being better than them at some point, yet all of that is put down just because she's a female.
Billy, just one of the numerous serial killers that are portrayals of real serial killers... much more impact back then though, since people were still "virgins" to the animalistic nature of man. Like back then, parents would let their kids go home by themselves from school. People would hitchhike / allow hitchhikers etc.
So on and so forth... amazing film. Wish we've had more of these types of films.
I remember watching this at a young age and being terrified and tense throughout. As you mentioned, when Horror didn't need loud jump scares. Another classic. You're on a roll man. Great work.
You listened to the fans. You’re one of the best movie-film/explanation/exploration channels on here.
Hey guys, what’s happening, Niad here with Film Comics Explained. Let’s go!!
This came out with perfect timing to celebrate Anthony Hopkins winning his 2nd Oscar and like the end of this movie, no where to be found for those looking for him
@Valkyrie that's all the Academy Awards is now, a big political stage. At least Hopkins won a damn well earned Oscar
Hard to believe he only won TWO...such a fantastic actor.
"I'm having an old friend for dinner."
Oh, he's going to invite him for dinner plans.
*OH, HES GONNA EAT HIM*
Sir Anthony is still winning awards. Even when i read the books Lecter was Hopkins in my head. Love these movies and books.
Well done, Niyat. I find Silence of the Lambs and Red Dragon very interesting. You should do a video explain on the NBC TV show Hannibal.🙌🏼👍🏼 Looking forward for the next one.
I love the TV show, it's such a terrific reimagining supported by an amazing cast. Mads brings the goods and makes Hannibal his own!
Your channel is one of the few that I actually care about clicking on a new video! Top tier!!!
I remember during the semen scene Lector screams at her “I can give you what you want most, advancement” and she says “how?” He knew all along he would lead her to Buffalo Bill alone so she would get all the credit because he was fond of her and her personality.
The true terror of this film lies in the ending shot.
Hannibal Lector just on a stroll, blending in with the populace.
Hannibal/Buffalo Bill aren't the boogeyman. They aren't ghost. They aren't alien beasts. They are not in supernatural.
They are what any human being can become when they shed humanity.
THAT is scary
They only represent one extreme of shedding humanity. The other is that of Buddha or any of the Enlightened
@@carna-9501 Meh. No one truly sheds humanity. We are all Apes with shoes.
No replies will be seen or read
I think you're onto something there about the ending. It's a combination of hearing what he's capable of at the start (savaging that nurse), being lulled into the idea that you aren't going to see anything gory or terrifying because he "seems" to just be an exceptionally intelligent talker (until he escapes, using everything at his disposal to get out - and in "disguise"), and then, as you say, he just ends the phone call to Clarice and walks off into the crowd, looking like a completely ordinary person. That was the aspect of the film that kept me awake all night the first time I watched it, the fact that he just blends in and seems unremarkable.
This is the video I've been waiting for 🙂
the writing in your vids is freaking phenomenal. Appreciate your candor and work ethic.
So true about the catharsis. I love horror because I know I'm safe. There is no monster.
However, Silence of the Lambs was the very first movie that truly horrified me. I finally understood the phrase 'bone chilling' bc that's what I felt.
This, and Se7en, are in my top 5.
Seven? That was a daft film. Ok it's fun but daft and childish in comparison.
I got the notification, can't wait to watch this off cell data when I get home! What's that one saying? Home is where the WiFi auto connects.
One thing I always appreciate is your ability to make a thumbnail that 100% fits the theme of the video.
always a good day when i get to listen to Niyat calmly explain things
Hannibal if anything, is a human apex predator.
Especially given the detail that he eats those who he considers beneath him.
Every time I hear 'Goodbye Horses' I instantly reflect upon Bill dancing. Absolutely wonderful film.
I watched in the theater in when I was 13. I couldn't get enough of it. My dad worked there, so I went every week for weeks for free. It reigns as my favorite movie ever.
It seems like I'm one of the few people who were not scared by this film in the very slightest... And yet it's one of my favorites. But I've never considered it a "horror" movie.
@@valerierodger7700 Yeah Imo it's not horror, it's terrifying, thrilling, and shocking more-so than scary or horrifying
it’s more psychological thriller, terror
it gives you chills down your neck instead of back to back jumpscares
I will never get tired of rewatching Hopkins performance here
When a film as good as this leaves a sense of dread and horror in you without any jump scares or big, loud scary set pieces, with amazing acting and writing it's a masterpiece. Also, Clarice Starling is a strong female character shown through her actions and how she can keep control and composure in dangerous and difficult situations. Something modern day films struggle with and end up shoving it down your throat and just telling you how strong they are without actually showing and proving why through the writing, acting and directing.
"The Silence of the Lambs"(1991) is the best crime mystery thriller movie of all time! The last part of the movie was very scary!
The great thing about losing on a vote is that everyone still wins. Excellent vid as always.
I love this film for Lecter and his portrayal by Anthony Hopkins who not only made the role his own but made it almost impossible for anyone else to do the role justice.
filmcomics youre channel is verry good at not just reviewing movies and saying what you think of it, but also what the movie really is about and what the director of the movie really wanted with movie and how the movie is actually ment to watch and understand what the movie is about. and you dont see allot of channels that doe it as good as you do.
gosh. I had almost forgotten what amazing movies were like. this is just absolute brilliance.
You make interesting points about the revelations of exposition - a lesser film would use each revelation as a shock or surprise - but by using the Hitchcockian definition of suspense -- putting the audience in a superior position to the characters (knowing 'the bomb is under the table' when the characters do not) we are given a false sense of control and anticipation. That's why the switch at the end works so well - we have been lulled into a subliminal state of comfort - only to have the rug pulled out when we learn they are at two different houses.
Absolutely love the direction this channel is going
Interestingly this movie inspired lots of women to join the FBI and the police force which had positive influence on interviewing some killers who were more willing to talk to females than male detectives.
It's still HARD to believe that 30 year's has almost past when at age 16, I got to experience a movie that was CRAZY good. And is still on my TOP 10 favorite movies that really moved me and it only costed me $ 1.25 at the dollar theater during the fall of 1991.
Yeah been waiting for this. Thanks so much. 😊
I clicked like the moment I got here cause your videos are amazing and I have no doubt I will enjoy the video.
Great video, thank you. Off topic, but I loved the use of the name Fell in the follow up.
it wasn't because Dr. Lecter liked Starling, not yet at least. Killing Miggs was repaying an insult. The one thing Dr. Lecter can't stand above all is discourtesy. He spared Starling not only because he ended up liking her, but because she gave him the respect he felt he deserved.
"The world is better with you in it"
missed your voice, FCE. glad to hear you again, man
This channel is an absolute gem keep up the great work man
You did great! Definitely my fave vid by you so far!
Oh man, this is gonna be a good one, :with some Fava beans"
this is very well made, thankyou
I have watched this movie in 4 shifts because it was so frightening and full of suspense. Sir Anthony Hopkins was brilliant and made this character true which will always be in our mind.
I watched this movie for the first time while tripping acid. That was one hell of a movie.
Masterpiece
In the book Buffalo Bill wants to become his own mother rather than a woman in general. She was pregnant with him while in a beauty contest and when she won it she thought she'd be able to become an actress but she never did and became an alcoholic. She gave up young Jame who was supposed to be called James but the name on his birth certificate was spelled wrong. He was sent to a foster home he lived in from when he was 2 to 10 after which he lived with his grandparents who he killed when he was 12. Watching old videos of his mother in the beauty contest gave him his sick "kill women and make a suit out of their skins" idea.
Lovely
Really quite different from the movie
Thank you for the content!!
One of those rare movies, where I cheered for the villain. Am I evil?
Nah just have a taste for good movies 🙂
@@yehanmudalige6596 ;)
I love watching your video essays on movies
Loved this, one of our fave movies growing up! ❤️
These videos are always great
I want an episode of the most jokey movie and you explain it as if it was normal deep scary movie. The bee movie is a complex and unknowing horror of the unknown
You're the best bro. Keep it up.
I never watch this movie, but now this is a must watch!
Thank you
The show is great too 👍
Hopkins and Foster were masterclass in this. Favourite film of all time
You should review The Devils Advocate. Great work sir!
Nice I have been waiting for this one
Hannibal may not have the powers but his mere presence makes more chilling to the bone.
Loved the video bro!
great take on the movie. would love to hear what you have to say about "beyond the black rainbow" & "mandy".
You're right there was no aspect where tension as disclosed immediately..I remember feeling wierd knowing what buffalo bill looked like..I was thinking there would be a dramatic reveal..I guess I didn't notice the what he did to his victims either..and I completely missed the fact that they rescued his final victim..I just remember only Jodie Foster and Hannibal
I always like your videos before I even start watching them. It's a must 👍
A timeless brilliant film. 👍🏽👍🏽
Dude, you gotta do Red Dragon and Hannibal Rising next
So great
This is an older video but I loved it, especially when talking about the way the film humanizes Bill and Hannibal despite their crimes. It's something I see a lot of people neglect discussing when it's such a central part of the film.
Both a genius story and masterclass in actint by A
Ser Anthony Hopkins
Would love an "Explained" video on Hannibal himself.
So intense. I wonder how the actors get through a filming like this when they get to put together the enormity of it all.
This movie leaves you feeling something after watching it. Especially the first time. Definitely in my top 5.
Long live Anthony Hopkins!
Nice vídeo Bro!!
Thank you so much for this episode. Your ending statement has greatly effected me. Well done.
I quite enjoy watching silence of the lambs while I'm going to sleep
A.H. reminds me of my grandfather lol one of my favorite movies as a child. Don't know how good that was to let me watch it, but hey!!! I'm alright lol
Yet another excellent video Niyat, us Aussie’s should be proud that Australia has created yet another brilliant mind doing great work 👌
I think the most underrated is the actor who plays Buffalo Bill... I could bet that character wouldn't fly by in today age let alone get screen time...
He's excellent, but Hopkins outshined him so he is kind of forgotten
Agree. Hope he got paid well. Quite a character. Don't think I saw him in any other movie?
Great film. Manhunter and Silence of the Lambs rocked. Red Dragon, Hannibal and Hannibal Rising, well...stunk.
Yup lol
I swear the glass on his cell disappears it's like they are face to face, and you really start to feel scared for clarice!
Your videos are just informative poetry.. I fucking love this channel.